Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Table 12.1
Overview of the main fields of environmental impact examined and the specific
aspects covered (after OECD 1997)
Area
Aspect/indicator
Biodiversity
Genetic diversity
Floral diversity
Faunal diversity
Habitat diversity
Landscape
Landscape structures and aesthetic value
Soil
Soil organic matter (SOM) and acidity (pH value)
Biological activity
Soil structure
Erosion
Desertification
Ground and surface water
Nutrient use and balance
Nitrate leaching
Phosphorus
Pesticides
Pathogens
Climate and air
Carbon dioxide (CO
2
)
Nitrous oxide (N
2
O)
Methane (CH
4
)
Ammonia (NH
3
)
Energy
Intensity of energy use
Efficiency of energy use
relevant. Primary sources for this chapter are a review of research results, mainly for developed
countries in temperate and subtropical zones. There is a lack of scientific research in develop-
ing countries in the tropics and subtropics, but from practical experiences and case studies, it
may be assumed that results are transferable (Alföldi
et
al
. 2002).
A wide range of indicators are being used in the description of the environmental impacts
of agriculture. Particularly, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development
(OECD) pushes the development of a common set of indicators at an international level. The
assessment presented here is based on the Driver-State-Response (DSR) framework that has
been developed by the OECD in (OECD 1997). This framework is internationally accepted and
allows cross-country comparisons. Whenever appropriate, simplifications and modifications
have been made.
The main indicators used in the analysis presented in this chapter are given in Table 12.1.
The discussion of environmental impacts is structured by six main sectors. There are signifi-
cant interrelationships between these sectors.
Biodiersity
Since its beginnings, agriculture has been a source of positive and negative effects on the eco-
system in terms of wildlife conservation and landscape. The level of intensity that modern
agriculture has reached in wide areas of Europe has resulted in a decrease in biological diver-
sity of domestic and wildlife species. The destruction of biotopes, as well as the simplifications
